PAP Phase 2 leaders to Otuaro : Ignore detractors, stay the course

Leaders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase Two have reiterated their support for the Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, applauding his performance in his first year in office.

The ex-agitators, under the Phase Two Camp Leaders umbrella, praised Otuaro’s efforts and urged him to remain undeterred by what they described as the distractions and blackmail attempts from individuals aiming to undermine progress in the Niger Delta.

In a statement released Friday by Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, said the group’s National President, Mr. Salvation Ibena, stated this when he led a delegation of the ex-agitators on a courtesy visit to Otuaro in Abuja.

While emphasizing their confidence in Otuaro’s leadership, Ibena attributed recent successes in the programme to Otuaro’s inclusive governance style.

Ibena said that Otuaro had brought the programme to the people of the Niger Delta and expanded its educational, vocational and stakeholders engagement initiatives, among other areas, to engender a huge sense of belonging among the region’s people.

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He explained that their visit was to appreciate and encourage the PAP Administrator, and to express their support and solidarity to encourage him to do more.

Ibena also commended Otuaro for promptly addressing the challenges affecting several beneficiaries, including biometric verification number issues, which did not occur in his tenure.

He said, “We have come as a delegation of the beneficiaries to greet you and thank you for what you are doing, and your great achievements so far. Evidence abound.

“Do not be distracted by whatever, whoever, individual or groups that may be saying negative things about you and the programme under your leadership. Yo have done very well.

“You know, this kind of meeting, most times come with complaints and all that. But this meeting, purely, is to come and appreciate and encourage you.

“Don’t be distracted. Continue to do what you are doing. Continue with the good plans you have for the programme and for your people.”

Responding, the PAP boss assured the phase two camp leaders that they were all crucial partners in the Niger Delta peace-building process, stressing that he was humbled by their appreciation of his service to the people.

Otuaro said he was immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve the Niger Delta people, and for the huge support he has been extending to the PAP.

He thanked them for the visit and further assured all Niger Delta stakeholders that the programme, under his watch, would ensure judicious use of resources provided by the Federal Government to expand opportunities in educational and vocational training for the people.